Skillstalk

10 high demand jobs to look out for in Australia right now

By Fi Darby

Whether you are entering the workforce, returning to work or considering a career change, the picture for employment in Australia is positive. In fact, the Department of Employment is predicting an increase of 886,000 jobs in the five years to 2023. In the last few years, we have seen exciting changes in our employment landscape.

If you're looking to make your next career move in a field where skilled workers are highly sought-after, here are some of the most high-demand job roles in Australia right now.

10 high demand job roles in Australia for 2021

Software developer.
IT business analyst.
Construction project manager.
Aged care worker.
Disability support worker.
Marketing manager.
Administrative assistant.
Construction manager.
Office manager.
Recruitment consultant.

1. Software developer.

Software developer is a job role within the Australian information technology sector. Job growth for this role is very strong and is projected to increase by 30% in the next five years. (Source: SEEK).

As mentioned by SEEK, software developers typically earn a salary that is between $95,000 and $110,000 per year in Australia. Most are educated to Bachelor degree level but people can still pursue this career path if they study a relevant diploma-qualification in IT.

Recommended course: ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology

2. IT business analyst.

IT business analyst is a job role within the Australian information technology sector. Job growth for this role is very strong and is expected to increase by 27.7% in the next five years.

The average salary range for an IT business analyst is typically between $100,000 and $120,000 per year in Australia (Source: SEEK). Most are educated to Bachelor level but people can pursue diploma-level qualifications in IT or business as a stepping stone for higher-level education.

Recommended course: ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology

3. Construction project manager.

Construction project manager is a job role with the Australian construction sector. Job growth for this role is strong and is expected to increase by 12% in the next five years. (Source: SEEK).

The average salary range for a construction project manager is between $120,000 and $140,000. Most people who hold this role typically have higher-level qualifications in construction management. However, being skilled in project management is a big plus since you'll be managing projects quite regularly.

Recommended course: BSB50820 - Diploma of Project Management

4. Aged care worker.

care worker concept

Aged care worker is a job role within the Australian community services sector. Job growth for this role is high and is expected to increase by 24.7% in the next five years. (Source: SEEK)

According to SEEK, the average salary for an aged care worker is between $50,000 and $60,000 per year in Australia. Most are educated to Certificate III & IV level in individual support or similar.

5. Disability support worker.

Disability support worker is a job role within the Australian community services sector. Job growth for this high demand role and is expected to increase by 24.7% in the next five years, (Source: SEEK).

As mentioned in SEEK, the average salary for a disability support worker is between $55,000 and $65,000 per year in Australia. Disability support workers commonly hold a Certicate III or Certificate IV qualification in community services, disability or similar.

6. Marketing manager.

Marketing manager is a job role within the Australian marketing sector. Demand for marketing managers is expected to grow by 21.1% in the next five years. (Source: SEEK).

The average salary of a marketing manager ranges between $100,000 and $120,000 per year in Australia (Source: SEEK). You can pursue this pathway without any formal qualifications but training in marketing is usually recommended.

Recommended course: BSB50620 - Diploma of Marketing and Communication

7. Administrative assistant.

middle aged woman working on laptop

Administrative assistant is a job role within the business services sector. Job growth for this role is expected to grow by 10.5% in the next five years. (Source: SEEK).

The average salary range for an administrative assistant is between $45,000 and $65,000 per year in Australia (Source: SEEK). Administrative assistants usually hold a Certificate III or Certificate IV in business administration.

Recommended course: BSB30120 - Certificate III in Business - Administration

8. Construction manager.

Construction manager is a job role within the Australian construction sector. Job growth for this role is predicted to grow by 12% in the next five years. (Source: SEEK).

As outlined by SEEK, construction managers typically earn an average salary of $200,000 per year in Australia. Typically people who do this role hold an advanced diploma in building and construction, however, skills in project management are looked upon favourably.

Recommended course: BSB50820 - Diploma of Project Management

9. Office manager.

Office manager is a job role within the Australian administration and business sector. Job growth is projected to increase by 7.3% in the next five years. (Source: SEEK).

The average salary range for an office manager is between $65,000 and $75,000 per year in Australia (Source: SEEK). Office managers typically hold a Certificate III or Certificate IV in business administration.

Recommended course: BSB40120 - Certificate IV in Business (Administration)

10. Recruitment consultant.

Recruitment consultant is a job role within the business services sector. The projected job growth for recruitment consultants in the next five years is expecterd to rise by 7.2% (Source: SEEK).

The average salary for a recruitment consultant is between $65,000 and $75,000 per year in Australia (Source: SEEK). Recruitment consultants typically hold bachelor-level qualifications but pursuing a diploma-level course in human resources can also be a suitable study pathway.

Recommended course: BSB50320 - Diploma of Human Resources Management

Develop in-demand skills with an online course

If you're looking to boost your skills in a growing industry, Upskilled has plenty of online courses that can help advance your career. We understand that flexibiity is important so we have a range of short courses and nationally-recognised qualifications to best match your needs when it comes to working towards a career you love.

Find out how Upskilled's online courses can help you find career success in an in-demand field and get in touch with us today.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in December 2019. Content has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Fi Darby Fi is a professional copywriter based in Devon, England. She specialises in education, careers, travel and outdoor writing and is the co-author of the popular daily outdoor blog 'Two Blondes Walking'. Fi has written three children's books and, when she isn't writing, Fi loves to gather inspiration from long walks, early morning sea swims and winter wild camps.